Malcolm Graham, Johnson C. Smith University’s special assistant for government and community engagement (right),and Red Truck Media President Mark Dobbs review a mural adorning Mosaic Village on West Trade Street. Mosaic Village, a $25 million residential complex, will house 300 students in 80 suite-style apartments. Charlotte artist Abel created the mural.

The Johnson C. Smith University senior will be one of the first residents of the student apartment complex, a cornerstone in northwest Charlotte’s revitalization. Students like Babb, an elementary education major, are moving to Mosaic Village next week for its off-campus location and easy commute, which “will cut down on the commute to campus, save on gas, rent and utilities,” she said.

Mosaic, also gives residents the opportunity to “feel more a part of the campus environment and enjoy the on-site amenities, such as study rooms, in-suite washers/dryers and gym facilities.”

The $25 million mixed-use project, which includes $3 million from the city of Charlotte for construction of a parking deck, will house 300 students. Rent is $750 per month with utilities included. Although JCSU students are Mosaic Village’s first residents, students from any college can live there. Mosaic Village, like the Arts Factory next door, was built on property owned by Griffin Brothers Companies.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Mosaic Village and dedication of the I-277 bridge’s “Passing Through Light” artwork will be held Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.

“It’s a significant step for the city and the university,” said Malcolm Graham, special assistant to JCSU President Ronald Carter for government and community engagement. “It’s a major catalytic project on a corridor that has been neglected for so many years and the university took the intentional step of building a facility on West Trade Street that was a catalytic project not only for the university but the city as a whole.”

Mosaic Village includes:

• 124,000 square feet of living space.

• 80 suites on four levels.

• 7,500 square feet of retail space.

• 4,000 square foot green roof and

• 595 parking spaces.

Mosaic Village, which also has signed a barbershop and sandwich shop as its first business tenants, is the latest project in JCSU’s revitalization effort over the last three years. Others include the I-277 bridge art project, adding the Gold Rush bus service and BikeShare program to the list of accomplishments. The university is also pushing for the east-west streetcar.

“It’s a significant step forward in the history of West Trade Street, Beatties Ford Road and Johnson C. Smith University, declaring itself a corridor champion and working hand in glove with neighborhood leaders for positive change for the community,” Graham said.”